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Task Force Iota #2.5
Happy Birthday to Me
Part of the First Time For Everything Daily Dose 2011 collection
James doesn’t usually remember things like birthdays, but his boyfriend Matt doesn’t mind, because he knows how much he means to James. Today is the special day, though, and Matt’s going to get what he really wants: a spanking. But the surprise birthday party that follows brings out an unusually dominant and possessive side of James, who seems to be feeling insecure. Matt decides something has to be done—and what better day for a grand gesture of love?
James doesn’t usually remember things like birthdays, but his boyfriend Matt doesn’t mind, because he knows how much he means to James. Today is the special day, though, and Matt’s going to get what he really wants: a spanking. But the surprise birthday party that follows brings out an unusually dominant and possessive side of James, who seems to be feeling insecure. Matt decides something has to be done—and what better day for a grand gesture of love?
40 pages, ebook
First published June 1, 2011
3 people are currently reading
221 people want to read
About the author
Anne Tenino
22 books670 followersCatalyzed by her discovery of LGBTQ romance, Anne Tenino left the lucrative fields of art history, non-profit fundraising, and domestic engineering (in that order) to follow her dream of become a starving romance author. For good or ill, her snarky, silly, quasi-British sense of humor came along for the ride.
Anne applies her particular blend of romance, comedy, and gay protagonists to contemporary, scifi, and paranormal tales. Her works have won many awards; her novel, Frat Boy and Toppy, is frequently referred to as a gay romance classic; she’s been featured in RT Book Reviews magazine; she holds the position of VP of Programming at her local RWA chapter; and she’s achieved bestseller status on Amazon’s gay romance list.
Born and raised in Oregon, Anne now lives in Portland with her family, who have all taken a sacred oath never to read her books. When not crocheting genitalia, growing tomatoes, driving teenagers around, or cooking something obscure, she can be found at her computer, procrastinating. Possibly while also lying on the couch, eating bon-bons.
Check out what Anne’s up to now by visiting her site. http://annetenino.com
Links:
Dreamspinner Press: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/stor...
Riptide:
http://www.riptidepublishing.com/auth...
Chicks & Dicks:
http://chicksndicks.blogspot.com
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/#!/AnneTenino
Goodreads profile:
http://www.goodreads.com/annetenino
Anne applies her particular blend of romance, comedy, and gay protagonists to contemporary, scifi, and paranormal tales. Her works have won many awards; her novel, Frat Boy and Toppy, is frequently referred to as a gay romance classic; she’s been featured in RT Book Reviews magazine; she holds the position of VP of Programming at her local RWA chapter; and she’s achieved bestseller status on Amazon’s gay romance list.
Born and raised in Oregon, Anne now lives in Portland with her family, who have all taken a sacred oath never to read her books. When not crocheting genitalia, growing tomatoes, driving teenagers around, or cooking something obscure, she can be found at her computer, procrastinating. Possibly while also lying on the couch, eating bon-bons.
Check out what Anne’s up to now by visiting her site. http://annetenino.com
Links:
Dreamspinner Press: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/stor...
Riptide:
http://www.riptidepublishing.com/auth...
Chicks & Dicks:
http://chicksndicks.blogspot.com
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/#!/AnneTenino
Goodreads profile:
http://www.goodreads.com/annetenino
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 8, 2017
OK so there is more on the way in this series, I think it's just going to take a while.
It's a great sci/fi series, actually more futuristic to be precise with a UF twist and it's not great it's EXCELLENT.
this is a very quick novella being book 2.5 but after more research I bitched about after finishing book 2 NOT BEING ALLOWED TO BE THE END, itjust can't be the end.
Well she doesn't want it to be either but has signed up for 3 book here and this more for this other series too so I found out that the author wants to finish this series but keeps getting paid work to finish other series. ARGH, what a shame for her!!!!
I haven't read her other books and I'm not going to. I can't read another college/university/frat-pledge for 5 years
Anne Tenino, you have a very novel plot, well written series with an excellent plot and the main characters and so many other prominent characters we need to know about. It's all round kinds of an excellent series on your hands here and it's SUCH a shame that they're tied so you can't get back to them. We need more books like this. Thanks
It's a great sci/fi series, actually more futuristic to be precise with a UF twist and it's not great it's EXCELLENT.
this is a very quick novella being book 2.5 but after more research I bitched about after finishing book 2 NOT BEING ALLOWED TO BE THE END, itjust can't be the end.
Well she doesn't want it to be either but has signed up for 3 book here and this more for this other series too so I found out that the author wants to finish this series but keeps getting paid work to finish other series. ARGH, what a shame for her!!!!
I haven't read her other books and I'm not going to. I can't read another college/university/frat-pledge for 5 years
Anne Tenino, you have a very novel plot, well written series with an excellent plot and the main characters and so many other prominent characters we need to know about. It's all round kinds of an excellent series on your hands here and it's SUCH a shame that they're tied so you can't get back to them. We need more books like this. Thanks
June 16, 2017
Matt wants James to take the reigns and like always, James doesn't disappoint. If you like a little slap and a tickle, Tenino meets expectations.
August 14, 2011
4.5 Stars.
I had no idea that this was a continuation of 18% Gray. I just finished 18% last night and wanted to read something else by this author. How lucky for me. I loved this story with James and Matty. It would be a decent stand alone story but after getting to know these men and how they got together in the last book made this very special.
I had no idea that this was a continuation of 18% Gray. I just finished 18% last night and wanted to read something else by this author. How lucky for me. I loved this story with James and Matty. It would be a decent stand alone story but after getting to know these men and how they got together in the last book made this very special.
August 20, 2012
A sweet and sexy short story set about a year after 18% Gray. Matt and James are living together, and for his birthday, Matt makes a special request of James, something he's been wishing to add to their sex life for a while.
This short came out prior to Turning Tricks, the sequel to 18% Gray, so it's not necessary to read Turning Tricks before you read this story (even though TT is set before this story, timeline-wise.) I would recommend reading 18% Gray before this though-—you'll understand the character dynamic and world more, and why James and Matt can hear each other's thoughts.
James and Matt's relationship is very sweet, and I like the ways they bounce off each other as well as depend on each other and help fill in those spaces that the other needs. It was nice to have this glimpse into their future, and I wouldn't mind reading about them more, either in future Task Force Iota books or in shorts like this.
This short came out prior to Turning Tricks, the sequel to 18% Gray, so it's not necessary to read Turning Tricks before you read this story (even though TT is set before this story, timeline-wise.) I would recommend reading 18% Gray before this though-—you'll understand the character dynamic and world more, and why James and Matt can hear each other's thoughts.
James and Matt's relationship is very sweet, and I like the ways they bounce off each other as well as depend on each other and help fill in those spaces that the other needs. It was nice to have this glimpse into their future, and I wouldn't mind reading about them more, either in future Task Force Iota books or in shorts like this.
August 17, 2011
This one was so adorable. I loved seeing Matt and James over a year down the road. I enjoyed how Matt and James explored Matt's submissiveness and to see James comfortable enough to physically display his love and desire for Matt. Totally cute story. Definitely recommended.
However, I wouldn't read it until after the sequel to 18% Gray comes out. If you don't want to wait that long and don't mind being a bit spoilered on something that happens with the characters in the sequel then you should definitely read it... but, yanno, after 18% Gray. Lol
However, I wouldn't read it until after the sequel to 18% Gray comes out. If you don't want to wait that long and don't mind being a bit spoilered on something that happens with the characters in the sequel then you should definitely read it... but, yanno, after 18% Gray. Lol
February 10, 2017
3.5 stars... Though, I haven't read anything of this series so far. But I'm intrigued...
April 29, 2014
I so enjoy when an author writes a novella within an established series. It gives me a little glimpse into what's going on in my people's lives without being a full, drawn out novel. It's fun and I love it. 'Happy Birthday to Me' let me back into James and Matt's world and I got to see them still happy and content with their life and crazy in love with each other.
Matt has been harboring a wishful longing and it's difficult to keep anything from his psychic boyfriend. But Matt really wants this, so he gathers his will and asks "Will you spank me?". And, wow, the scene that follows is erotic, sensual, and extremely sexy, sending Matt flying on an endorphin high. Well, until James tells him about the surprise birthday party and all the people on their way over. *grins*
I absolutely adored this short story. It's fun, sweet, sexy, and a little heartbreaking when Matt discovers how insecure James has been feeling. Well, Matt can't have that, so he makes sure James won't ever feel like he's all alone again. Thank you, Anne, I so enjoy these men and this world.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Matt has been harboring a wishful longing and it's difficult to keep anything from his psychic boyfriend. But Matt really wants this, so he gathers his will and asks "Will you spank me?". And, wow, the scene that follows is erotic, sensual, and extremely sexy, sending Matt flying on an endorphin high. Well, until James tells him about the surprise birthday party and all the people on their way over. *grins*
I absolutely adored this short story. It's fun, sweet, sexy, and a little heartbreaking when Matt discovers how insecure James has been feeling. Well, Matt can't have that, so he makes sure James won't ever feel like he's all alone again. Thank you, Anne, I so enjoy these men and this world.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
June 8, 2011
Very nice, sexy story set in 2112. Matt is adorably shy about wanting his first spanking and James is wonderful about giving him exactly what he needs. The fact that James is an empath helps, but reading about these two made me believe they'd figure it out anyway. I really liked the love betwen them, the few references to their jobs and how the world has developed, giving me just enough background to place them.
If you like your stories a little kinky, but still very loving, you will probably like this book.
If you like your stories a little kinky, but still very loving, you will probably like this book.
June 16, 2012
A little more conversation, a little less action please
All this aggravation aint satisfactioning me...
I loved the first book, and this one is hot, but there isn't much of a plot to it.
All this aggravation aint satisfactioning me...
I loved the first book, and this one is hot, but there isn't much of a plot to it.
November 18, 2011
This review can be found at Brief Encounters Reviews.
The blurb pretty much says it all, and this story consists of two rather large sex scenes, the first in which Matt gets his birthday wish, a spanking from his dominant lover, and the second, after the party ends when Matt senses James’ insecurity in their relationship, and takes step to prove his love.
So while this could have fallen into the “hot piece of erotica” category, the feelings both men have for each other come through in their actions and elevate it beyond that. It’s also set in the future, where James is an empath and when Matt allows it, James can not read his mind exactly, but can pick up his emotions and feelings. He uses this to great effect, to give Matt exactly what he wants. Yes, he’s dominant, and their sex life has a definite D/s edge to it, but is always caring with Matt’s pleasure in mind.
Beyond the empath abilities, and references to the price of denim jeans and other small changes in the future, it’s a very accessible story that reads like a contemporary. The family party is fun, and seeing Matt thrown off kilter by his lover’s change in behaviour, and their conversation after the party where he confronts James, is sweet and realistic. James is not one to talk about feelings, and I always enjoy it when a character who usually comes across as strong, confident and in control, shows their tender and insecure side. They seem more like real people that way, and James is definitely real.
The whole story is very sexy and hot. When you are in the mood for a little D/s story with an established couple with a sweet and romantic ending it’s a perfect choice and I quite enjoyed it. I will definitely check out future works by this author.
The blurb pretty much says it all, and this story consists of two rather large sex scenes, the first in which Matt gets his birthday wish, a spanking from his dominant lover, and the second, after the party ends when Matt senses James’ insecurity in their relationship, and takes step to prove his love.
So while this could have fallen into the “hot piece of erotica” category, the feelings both men have for each other come through in their actions and elevate it beyond that. It’s also set in the future, where James is an empath and when Matt allows it, James can not read his mind exactly, but can pick up his emotions and feelings. He uses this to great effect, to give Matt exactly what he wants. Yes, he’s dominant, and their sex life has a definite D/s edge to it, but is always caring with Matt’s pleasure in mind.
Beyond the empath abilities, and references to the price of denim jeans and other small changes in the future, it’s a very accessible story that reads like a contemporary. The family party is fun, and seeing Matt thrown off kilter by his lover’s change in behaviour, and their conversation after the party where he confronts James, is sweet and realistic. James is not one to talk about feelings, and I always enjoy it when a character who usually comes across as strong, confident and in control, shows their tender and insecure side. They seem more like real people that way, and James is definitely real.
The whole story is very sexy and hot. When you are in the mood for a little D/s story with an established couple with a sweet and romantic ending it’s a perfect choice and I quite enjoyed it. I will definitely check out future works by this author.
November 14, 2013
Short, Sexy and Steamy… my three favorite colors!
It’s Matt’s birthday and while he’s certain that James probably won’t remember, and even more certain he won’t be doing anything for him, Matt is determined to get what he wants. And what he wants is a spanking! Matt is about to get his wish, in spades.
James is more than willing to give Matt what he wants as long as it’s on his terms, and he maintains control. The relationship between these two has always been a healthy balance of dominance and submission, this time around they add handcuffs to the mix. This is going to be a happy birthday indeed!
In a fun turn of events, after James rocks Matt’s world and pounds him into oblivion, Matt’s family shows up to throw him a birthday party. It’s always fun to watch the Tennimore family interactions and we learn that Logan and Lazlo are now married. Now all that is missing is some Logan and Lazlo action and I can die a happy woman.
It is crucial that you read book 1 (18 % gray) and book 2 (Turning Tricks) before you read this one. Trust me, it’s worth it.
It’s Matt’s birthday and while he’s certain that James probably won’t remember, and even more certain he won’t be doing anything for him, Matt is determined to get what he wants. And what he wants is a spanking! Matt is about to get his wish, in spades.
James is more than willing to give Matt what he wants as long as it’s on his terms, and he maintains control. The relationship between these two has always been a healthy balance of dominance and submission, this time around they add handcuffs to the mix. This is going to be a happy birthday indeed!
In a fun turn of events, after James rocks Matt’s world and pounds him into oblivion, Matt’s family shows up to throw him a birthday party. It’s always fun to watch the Tennimore family interactions and we learn that Logan and Lazlo are now married. Now all that is missing is some Logan and Lazlo action and I can die a happy woman.
It is crucial that you read book 1 (18 % gray) and book 2 (Turning Tricks) before you read this one. Trust me, it’s worth it.
November 24, 2012
This was a nice short, though I think it is more appropriately labeled as book 3.5 instead book 2.5 since it makes mention of something which hasn't yet happened in the series (which I think will happen in book 3).
You really don't have to have read the rest of the series to read this, if you're just looking for a hot quickie with some very light kink in it (bondage, spanking, toys). But there isn't any introduction to these characters, and there may be a few eccentricities of this universe which don't make sense if you haven't read at least the first book. It is essentially a quick revisit with these two characters (and a couple of others) in a sexy short, if you want to see them reaffirming their love for each other.
It was nice for what it was, but don't expect plot. It was mainly just these two, desires and insecurities, and dealing with that.
You really don't have to have read the rest of the series to read this, if you're just looking for a hot quickie with some very light kink in it (bondage, spanking, toys). But there isn't any introduction to these characters, and there may be a few eccentricities of this universe which don't make sense if you haven't read at least the first book. It is essentially a quick revisit with these two characters (and a couple of others) in a sexy short, if you want to see them reaffirming their love for each other.
It was nice for what it was, but don't expect plot. It was mainly just these two, desires and insecurities, and dealing with that.
June 9, 2011
I don't think hot begins to describe this short story. It's delicious.
I liked the futuristic taste, even if it's not the focus of the story. I loved James and Matt together, especially Matt's feeling a bit tentative at the beginning and how James picked up on Matt's emotions and made him fly. The raw sex of the beginning was a bit tempered by the tenderness and sweetness of the last pages, showing how much James and Matt cared for each other.
The story is a very short slice of life and there are glimpses of a whole world in the background that I wanted to know and that spiked my curiosity. A very interesting story of firsts.
I liked the futuristic taste, even if it's not the focus of the story. I loved James and Matt together, especially Matt's feeling a bit tentative at the beginning and how James picked up on Matt's emotions and made him fly. The raw sex of the beginning was a bit tempered by the tenderness and sweetness of the last pages, showing how much James and Matt cared for each other.
The story is a very short slice of life and there are glimpses of a whole world in the background that I wanted to know and that spiked my curiosity. A very interesting story of firsts.
August 14, 2013
A nice little fluffy story where we get to check in on Matt and James some time after the events of 18% Gray and Turning Tricks. After the second book it's good to see that their lives seem so "normal"...
Other than that, the blurb pretty much sais it all. If you love Matt and James, this is a must-read for you!
Other than that, the blurb pretty much sais it all. If you love Matt and James, this is a must-read for you!
August 5, 2011
On first read through this was just an okay book for me. I reread it several months later after finishing 18% Gray (the subsequently published prequel novel) and it was much more enjoyable. All the little character traits and personality quirks as well as the established future tech and mind reading capabilites added to the story rather than detract like they did initially.
June 8, 2011
I very much liked the writing style and I also would have rated this story higher than 3 stars, but what was very aggravating for me whas the feeling of always missing vital parts of the history of the protags. Perhaps it would have been a better decision to release the prequel first. As it is, I'm not sure, whether I will read further books with James and Matt.
April 3, 2012
I read this after 18% Gray (even though it was released first), which I think makes this much more enjoyable since I already had an invested interest and strong love for both Matt and James. This was sweet and hot and totally fun to read. I just adore these two and loved seeing them all happy and hot together. :)
November 17, 2013
This is a short, but sweet and very hot, story that serves as a nice follow-up to Matt and James' story in the Task Force Iota series. It's Matt's birthday and James showers him with lots of love and with Matt's fondest wish. Then Matt is able to grant one of James' fondest wishes and we know our guys will have their HEA.
June 9, 2011
Sexy, smokin hot and bursting with kinky goodness. Woo boy. ;-p And for you sci-fi fans -- just the right amount of futuristic detail seamlessly layered in. Highly recommend. Looking forward to 18% Gray...
June 10, 2011
Very hot, sexy, sweet read. I wish the prequel had been available to read first, but I hope the wait won't be too long. I liked the writing and the characters, and did I mention it was hot? ;) Very enjoyable!
September 10, 2012
Cute interlude but not really much point. Not very consequential or especially well developed.
The control play was fun, as were the family issues... but it didn't seem to have used as much thought as many of her other works.
The control play was fun, as were the family issues... but it didn't seem to have used as much thought as many of her other works.
May 27, 2013
So... I kind of read that one out of order. My mistake. Not that some information revealed were a surprise but still.
I liked it. It was short and fluffy, even with those bdsm elements thrown into the mix.
I liked it. It was short and fluffy, even with those bdsm elements thrown into the mix.
May 9, 2014
3.5 Stars
Sexy short that occurs sometime after book two. In fact there are events alluded to that hadn't occurred yet by the end of book two, so it feels like it should be 3.5 (with a missing book three) rather than 2.5. However, I loved seeing this pair again.
Sexy short that occurs sometime after book two. In fact there are events alluded to that hadn't occurred yet by the end of book two, so it feels like it should be 3.5 (with a missing book three) rather than 2.5. However, I loved seeing this pair again.
May 7, 2015
There were some sweet parts and hot sex scenes but I am so completely over the whole bdsm genre. I read this to fulfill a challenge but I otherwise would have passed because of the bdsm elements. Not the author's fault, but it kept me from embracing the story.
June 4, 2011
Hot sexy story with a bit of dominance and spanking. The end is absolutely sweet, though! A comfort read for anyone who is looking for something hot and romantic at the same time. :)
June 4, 2011
Hot & sweet
June 15, 2011
hot and good spank story !
June 8, 2011
GAH! So this story takes place AFTER Anne's new book - 18% Gray - which I deduced by reading the blurb after the story. Now I want that book! When is it coming out???
June 9, 2011
I don't understand why releasing a story of characters we don't know, at all. Everything is missing in this short read and in my book is not worth it.
September 11, 2016
Loved 18% Gray and just had to get this book and read more about Matt and James. Love these guys.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews